Heirs and Architects of a Great Legacy: Celebrating Black Heritage at Montclair State University
Join the Office of Alumni Engagement Affinity Group Network, African American Studies Program, the African American Caucus, the Black Alumni Advisory Council and campus partners for a dynamic series of events throughout Black History Month 2026. This year’s theme honors the generations who built foundations — and the leaders and creators shaping what comes next.
Posted in: Affinity Groups, Alumni News and Events
Throughout February, the Montclair State University community will come together for programs that blend history, culture, performance, and conversation. Signature traditions like the Opening Day Procession and Flag Raising, alumni success panels, film screenings, cultural workshops, and student-led performances invite participants to reflect on shared legacy while building pathways for the future.
“Our Black History Month theme this year, Heirs and Architects of a Great Legacy, reminds us that we have inspiring role models to guide our efforts to create equity and stand for justice. Like those we celebrate this month, we are the solutions to the challenges we face in our communities and around the globe.
We invite all to join us for cultural and educational programs and dialogues that ignite your passion for leaving footsteps that others can follow to build a world where all beings are joined in peace and harmony.” ~ Dr. Reginia Judge, president of the African American Caucus and associate professor of Justice Studies and Dr. Saundra Collins, professor of Psychology
2026 Select Events & Programs
All alumni are invited to attend the following; registration is not required for most events.
February 1 – 28
Black History Month: An Exhibit – Sprague Library
Sunday, February 1
8 p.m. | Leschowitz Recital Hall
Darian Clonts, Faculty Recital + Lecture – American Spirituals: Songs Birthed in Bondage and Sung Across Boundaries
Monday, February 2
11:50 a.m. – 3 p.m.
11:50 a.m. Black History Month Procession from Cole Hall
12 p.m. Proclamation and Flag Raising at the Student Center flagpole
12:30 – 3 p.m. Program and Reception at Student Center Ballrooms
Wednesday, February 4
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
HBCU Impact on North America / Greek Life: Exploration of Step
Wednesday, February 4
2:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
Soundtrack of the Culture
Tuesday, February 10
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Student Center Ballrooms
Black History Month Museum and Film Festival
Wednesday, February 11
2 – 4:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
Sports Athletes of the Movement
Thursday, February 12
7:30 p.m. – Kasser Theater
PEAK Performances: I AM: Camille A. Brown & Dancers
* tickets required
Monday, February 16
4:30 – 6 p.m. – University Hall, Room 1050
Black Alumni Advisory Council: Black History Month Alumni Career Panel
* registration required
Tuesday, February 24
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Dickson Hall, 178 Cohen Lounge
Screening: All In: The Fight for Democracy
Wednesday, February 25
2 – 4:30 p.m. – Talbott Hall, Bloomfield Campus
Raise the Curtain on Black History
Program Collaborators and Co-sponsors are African American Studies; African American Caucus; Black Alumni Advisory Council; Office of Social Justice and Diversity; Office of Inclusive Excellence; Sprague Library; University Police; Bloomfield College; MSU Dining Services; Office of Civic and Voter Engagement.
The Black Alumni Advisory Council was created to engage Black alumni in support of the Montclair State University mission of educational, institutional and overall university community initiatives, policies and activities that strengthen relationships with the Black community. BAAC is part of the Montclair Alumni Affinity Group Network and welcomes new members.